Intarsia Guide

A history of intarsia

Intarsia, an intricate form of wood inlaying, has a long and fascinating history dating back to ancient times. This technique was first introduced to the UK in the 15th century, where it gained immense popularity and flourished under the patronage of royal families and wealthy merchants.

The Origins of Intarsia
The art of intarsia can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where artisans used inlaid wood to create beautiful pieces of furniture and decorative objects. The Greeks and Romans also embraced this technique, and it soon spread throughout Europe, becoming particularly popular in Italy during the Renaissance period.

Intarsia in the UK
Intarsia arrived in the UK during the reign of Henry VIII, who was known for his love of fine art and extravagant furnishings. The king commissioned a number of intricate intarsia pieces for his palaces and castles, including the magnificent Hampton Court Palace, which still showcases some of the finest examples of this art form.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, intarsia became increasingly popular among the wealthy and noble classes, who commissioned elaborate pieces for their homes and estates. These pieces often depicted intricate scenes and designs, using a wide range of exotic woods, metals, and other materials.

The Evolution of Intarsia
As the art of intarsia evolved, craftsmen began to experiment with new techniques and designs, incorporating elements of other decorative arts such as marquetry and parquetry. They also started using a wider range of materials, including precious metals, mother-of-pearl, and ivory.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, intarsia became less popular, as new forms of decorative art emerged. However, it experienced a resurgence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements embraced the intricate designs and exotic materials used in intarsia.

Intarsia Today
Today, intarsia remains a popular art form, with many talented craftsmen continuing to produce stunning pieces using traditional techniques. While it is no longer as prevalent as it once was, intarsia continues to be highly regarded for its intricate beauty and technical skill.

In the UK, intarsia is often used in the creation of bespoke furniture and other decorative objects, and it can be found in many historic buildings and museums. It remains a testament to the skill and artistry of the craftsmen who developed this beautiful and intricate form of inlaying.

Tools of the intarsia trade

You need to start with a pattern, which can either create yourself or purchase online, so that you do not have to start from scratch. This makes the cutting out part of the project much easier.

You would cut the pieces with a saw and shape them with a drum sander.

Due to the detail and precision needed it is a good idea to use a magnifying LED lamp.

Materials used in intarsia

There are around 300 different types of wood, so there are lots of different colours to choose from.

The thickness of the pieces of wood being used along with the colours will have a big impact on the finished 3d look of the finished piece.

Cutting and sanding the pieces of wood is time consuming. A small piece made up of perhaps five to seven individual pieces may take around three hours. Whilst a large complex work of seventy individual elements would take hundreds of hours to complete.

Techniques of intarsia

Intarsia is a woodworking technique that involves creating a picture or design by assembling individual pieces of wood of different colours and grains, inlaid into a base of a different colour. Here are some of the main techniques used in intarsia:

1. Selecting and cutting the wood: One of the key aspects of intarsia is selecting the right wood for the project. Woodworkers typically choose woods with contrasting colours and grain patterns to create a visually striking image. The pieces are then cut to the correct size and shape using a scroll saw or band saw.

2. Arranging the pieces: Once the pieces have been cut, they are arranged to create the desired pattern or design. The pieces are typically glued onto a backing board, which provides stability and support.

3. Sanding and finishing: After the pieces have been arranged and glued in place, the surface is sanded smooth to remove any rough spots and to level the surface. The intarsia is then finished with a clear coat, such as varnish or polyurethane, to protect the surface and enhance the natural beauty of the wood.

Intarsia examples:

Wildlife scenes, such as an eagle in flight or a deer in a forest
Landscapes, such as mountains or seascapes
Portraits of people or animals
Geometric designs, such as a star or a hexagonal pattern
Inlaid words or letters, such as a name or a phrase.

Tips and tricks of intarsia

1. Showcase your skills: Highlight the intricate details and unique qualities of your intarsia by showcasing a range of pieces that showcase your skills and techniques. Consider offering demonstrations to give customers a better understanding of the process.

2. Present a cohesive collection: Display a range of intarsia pieces that complement each other and showcase the versatility of your work. This could include wall hangings, box lids, and other decorative items.

3. Offer custom pieces: Consider offering customers the opportunity to commission a custom piece, such as a personalized wall hanging or a special piece made to match their decor. This can help to set your work apart from other vendors and increase sales.

4. Highlight the materials used: Emphasize the quality of the materials you use, such as the types of wood, the precision of the cuts, and the attention to detail in each piece.

5. Share your passion: Share your love for intarsia with customers and explain why its a special craft. Talk about the history of the technique, the challenges involved, and the satisfaction you get from working with wood.

6. Highlight the value of handmade: Emphasize the value of handmade products and explain why they are special and unique compared to mass-produced items. Talk about the time and care that goes into each piece and the difference it makes in the final product.

7. Engage with customers: Be friendly and approachable. Show customers the features and benefits of your products, answer any questions they may have, and encourage them to handle your pieces.

8. Follow up with customers: Collect customers contact information and follow up after the craft fair to thank them for their purchase and offer any after-sales support. This can help to build customer loyalty and increase future sales.